Attorney General Blanche Faces Pressure to Reopen Disputed Reflecting Pool Vandalism Case

Todd Blanche, newly sworn in as head of the Justice Department, was queried on whether the White House wants the department to pursue a fresh case against former Olympian David Hearn over the Reflecting Pool incident. Blanche indicated no current update and said officials are waiting for a judicial ruling, noting the prior dismissal left open the question of prejudice. Hearn’s lawyers argue that a definitive decision is needed to stop any repeat prosecution.

President Donald Trump has urged the DOJ to act, even after former prosecutor Jeanine Pirro dismissed the charges when evidence showed the damage resulted from a contractor’s botched work. The controversy also ties into broader scrutiny of Blanche’s past work for Trump, including the hush-money trial and the disputed anti-weaponization fund. Blanche reiterated that the fund is no longer active, despite mixed signals from the president.